Philippines, 16 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Don King Productions Announces Challenger for Reigning WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Noel Mikaelian

PhilBoxing.com




Deerfield Beach, Fla. (March 26, 2026) – The world’s greatest boxing promoter and International Boxing Hall of Famer Don King announced today that he has offered his WBC Cruiserweight World Champion, Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) his next opponent. In a matchup scheduled to take place this June if Mikaelian accepts the challenge to defend his world title, the Yerevan, Armenia native has been pitted against WBC NABF Bridgerweight Champion Lyubomyr Pinchuk (17-4-2, 11 KOs).

“We’ve moved forward with one of the WBC’s ranked contenders and Lyubomyr Pinchuk has signed the bout sheet and is looking forward to a mid-June championship fight.

“I have contacted my champion Noel Mikaelian as we wait to confirm this amazing matchup for this coming June,” said King. “Mikaelian is a tried-and-true world champion and our success inside and outside of the ring is a testament to our relationship. Pinchuk is a dangerous opponent for anyone in the cruiserweight division, and I look forward to building Mikaelian’s next title defense.”


“Noel showed his greatness after being robbed of his championship in his first fight with Badou Jack. He dominated him in the rematch, showing what a true fighter he is in taking his title back.”

“We will be putting together a great boxing card for the people and Mikaelian-Pinchuk will be a spectacular main event.”

Hailing from Lviv, Ukraine and currently training out of Pittsburgh, Pa., Pinchuk prepares to enter his first world title outing on the strength of three consecutive knockout victories. After turning professional in 2017 and scoring four straight knockouts, the 29-year-old Pinchuk is currently on a career revitalization after suffering two defeats in 2022 and a draw in 2023. The challenger is now poised to square off against the highly decorated two-time WBC Cruiserweight Champion.

In a relationship spanning back to 2022, King has guided Mikaelian to boxing greatness. The current champion’s first fight under the Don King Productions banner saw a vacant WBC Cruiserweight Title showdown against South Africa’s Ilunga Makabu. After scoring a devasting third-round knockout over Makabu, Mikaelian squared off against former WBC light heavyweight world champion Badou Jack in a fight-of-the-year candidate. Now on the heels of winning his title back in a highly anticipated rematch against Jack, Mikaelian is positioned to accept his biggest challenge to date.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • BEN WHITTAKER OPENS UP ON HIS AMERICAN DREAM, CALL-OUTS AND HEADLINING IN 'SPECIAL CITY' LIVERPOOL THIS SATURDAY – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • IBA partners with Global Boxing Series for landmark fight night in Navi Mumbai
    , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • IM Arca finishes 2nd in Thailand Blitz
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • Cebuano "Money Punch" Elmo Traya Heading to Georgia for WBF World Title Shot!
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • Unfinished Business: Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright Super Lightweight Rematch Set for May 16 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on DAZN
    , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • Rhaki Constantino bags Asian HeyBall Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • GARNICA VS. CORREA SET FOR WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS TITLE CLASH IN LONG BEACH MAY 15
    , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • IBA Board of Directors convenes for strategic April 2026 meeting
    , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • Cadalso to turn pro in Juego Todo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • 2-Time World Champion Shawn Porter Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday  May 2 in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • Former Coach of De La Salle University Taft-Manila finishes third place in Beijing Blitz Grand Prix
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • "When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
    , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Manguyab to debut in RFL
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise
    , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Pabular loses by a split decision
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • DFBC dominates in Invitational Doubles
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia
    , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Jenn Perella excited to be fighting in front of family & friends on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’
    , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Angel Barrientes Training Camp Notes
    , Mon, 13 Apr 2026
  • DFBC sweeps Dubai Filipino bowlfest
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026
  • Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
    , Mon, 13 Apr 2026
  • Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.